In a grand gesture marking 270 years of continuous creativity and excellent watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin has introduced a trio of exquisite limited edition timepieces within its esteemed Traditionnelle collection. These are not mere watches; they are symbols of the maison’s horological artistry, boasting openworked dials and retrograde displays – two pillars upon which the maison’s formidable reputation has been built. To truly appreciate these new custodians of time, let us take a gentle stroll through the records of Vacheron Constantin’s rich history.

Like ancient cartographers charting unknown territories, Vacheron Constantin has always navigated the intricate landscape of openworked dials. This is not a fleeting fancy, but a deep-seated tradition, a hallmark etched into their very horological DNA. Over a century ago, in 1918, the maison crafted its first watch with a partially openworked dial – a majestic pocket watch imbued with the celestial dance of an astronomical calendar. This served as a pioneering move that laid the groundwork for a legacy of transparency, allowing connoisseurs to peer into the beating heart of their timepieces.

The retrograde display, another flourish in Vacheron Constantin’s repertoire, adds a poetic touch to the telling of time. Instead of a continuous circular motion, the hands trace an arc, leaping back to their starting point gracefully. The maison’s first showcase of this captivating complication for the wrist dates back to 1940 with the Reference 3620, affectionately nicknamed “Don Pancho”. This watch, with its distinctive charm, cemented the retrograde display as another signature of Vacheron Constantin’s inventive spirit.

Now, for its 270th anniversary, the Vacheron Constantin expertly intertwines these two distinctive complications, presenting them in three breathtaking limited edition iterations from the Traditionnelle collection. Imagine, if you will, the horological equivalent of a perfectly harmonised orchestra, where each element plays its part to ensure the utmost precision and beauty.

The stars of this anniversary celebration are: the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date Openface, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface, and the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface. Each watch shares a striking and defining feature: an openworked dial showcasing a mesmerising pattern. This intricate design is not arbitrary; it is an homage to the outline of the Maltese cross, the iconic emblem that has represented Vacheron Constantin since 1880, a symbol as deeply ingrained as the very gears within.

This signature motif is brought to life through the meticulous art of hand-guilloché, a craft demanding the constant focus and skilled hands of seasoned artisans. Of masters of the craft – hunched over their engines, their movements precise as they carve delicate patterns into the metal, showcasing their expertise. The resulting dial design subtly reflects the aesthetic of the Reference 6068, a significant timepiece launched in 1955 to commemorate Vacheron Constantin’s bicentenary – a nod to their enduring heritage.

Of course, a timepiece as exquisite as this is a charm to look at from any angle. Turning the watch over, you would uncover an added layer of artistry. The caseback reveals the “côte unique” finishing on the movement bridges. This traditional decoration, revitalised in 2021, presents a harmonious and unbroken line across the various bridges, a visual testament to the seamless integration of mechanics and aesthetics. And the journey to regain the mastery of this “côte unique” technique was no small feat – requiring over 500 hours of dedicated research and practice. It’s a powerful illustration of Vacheron Constantin’s profound respect for its heritage and its dedication to passing down these invaluable skills through generations.

These Vacheron Constantin anniversary timepieces remain true to the refined design principles that define the Traditionnelle collection. Each is presented on a hand-sewn alligator leather strap, the tone-on-tone saddle-stitching and seams subtly highlight the bespoke craftsmanship. The strap is secured with a pin buckle, a seemingly small detail elevated by its shape – half of the iconic Maltese Cross, a constant, quiet reminder of the maison’s enduring legacy.

Limited to only 370 pieces for each model, made in 950 platinum; these watches are a true reflection of Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking expertise through the 270 long years of the maison’s history.

For more information, visit The Vacheron Constantin website here.